Cassidy, who replaced Claude Julien after the he was fired Feb. 8, led the Bruins to the postseason for the first time in three years. Although Boston was eliminated Sunday by Ottawa in six games in the opening round, the team led the league in goals per game and tied for second in wins after Cassidy took over.

Cassidy, 51, had a successful playing career in the NHL, OHL, AHL and IHL and previously spent five seasons coaching Boston's AHL affiliate in Providence, R.I., before joining Julien's staff as an assistant this season. He coached the Bruins' final 33 regular and postseason games, compiling an 18-8-1 regular-season record.